Conte: Terry Will Get No Special Treatment

John Terry’s status as captain of Chelsea will not stop Antonio Conte from relegating him to the bench.

The Italian says he will not treat the centre-back any different. The 35-year-old made a return to the starting XI in Chelsea’s 2-1 EFL cup loss to West Ham on Wednesday. He has been out of action due to an ankle injury.

Terry had been an unused substitute for Chelsea’s previous two matches and is expected to be back on the bench when Conte’s men travel to play Southampton on Sunday, with the Italian not giving the long-serving centre-back any special treatment.

“My decisions are only for the best for the team, for the club and to win,” Conte told reporters.

“If one player is captain or vice-captain, it’s not important.

“It’s important to find the right solution to take the best decision for the team, in this moment. Yes, I can make a mistake, but I always try to make the best decision.

“We win together and we lose together in every circumstance. I have always to take the best decision for the team, never for an individual player.

“It’s logical that John came back from injury and it’s not easy to restart and to find quickly the right shape. I’m satisfied [with] him and the team.

“John is an important player for us – if he plays or if he doesn’t play – for the changing room, for his team-mates, for the club.”